Calling all cookie enthusiasts! Get ready to embark on a delightful journey into the world of Keeflies, a traditional Scottish treat that combines crispy, sweet, and buttery flavors. These cookies, also known as "cuffs," "cookies," or "Jumbles," are a beloved part of Scottish heritage and a staple in many households. With three irresistible recipes featured in this article, you'll discover the magic of Keeflies in all their variations. From the classic Keeflies, known for their delicate texture and subtle sweetness, to the indulgent Chocolate Keeflies, boasting a rich cocoa flavor, and the zesty Lemon Keeflies, offering a burst of citrusy freshness, there's a Keeflie recipe to tantalize every palate. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let's embark on a culinary adventure that celebrates the timeless charm of Keeflies.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
KIFLIES
Erma Gassensmith was my son's fifth grade teacher. She got the recipe from watching her mother and measuring all the ingredients as her mother made the kieflies. Her mother immigrated from Hungary. "The trick to making beautiful, tender kieflies is to handle the dough as little, and as gently, as possible. Bake the kieflies as soon as you have filled a batch so that the dough does not become warm and limp. If you feel dough has become a bit warm after filling a cookie sheet, refrigerate for 15 minutes before baking." Erma Gassensmith.
Provided by Amanda2
Categories Dessert
Yield 85
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Mix flour and butter until mixture is like cornmeal.
- Beat together sour cream, egg yolks, lemon rind and sugar, add to flour mixture.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Dough will have a satiny appearance and all the dough will come off your hands. Knead at least 20 minutes. The longer you work the dough the flakier the finished product will be. Do not cheat on kneading time.
- Pinch off pieces of dough no larger than a walnut and form into balls. Place balls side by side in a cake pan. Separate layers with wax paper. This should make about 85 balls.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight. (Dough balls may be frozen for up to 6 months. Freezing seems to make the dough even more tender when baked. Thaw in refrigerator overnight, not at room temperature.)
- Remove 1 dozen balls from the refrigerator at a time. If dough is too warm or too cold it is difficult to roll out. Roll each ball into a 4" circle. Circles will be tissue paper thin. Use as little flour as possible to keep dough from sticking to pastry board. It is best to make a mixture of 6 tablespoons flour and 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar for sprinkling the board.
- Lay rolled out circles of pastry on a large tray just barely overlapping so they will not stick together. Use waxed paper between layers. When a dozen balls have been rolled, refrigerate the tray so dough does not become too soft. If this happens kieflies will not be attractive.
- It is easier to assemble if you roll out about 36 balls, fill and bake. All the balls may be rolled at one time, but keep pastry circles refrigerated until ready to fill. Work with only as many circles as will it an one cookie sheet at a time.
- To assemble kieflies, place a semi-heaping tablespoon of filling across the middle of each circle, but not quite to the edge. Fold 1/3 of the dough over filling, overlapping about half way; fold the remaining 1/3 of the dough so it overlaps the first 1/3. Use a gentle hand when overlapping the filling so that when it bakes the filling will have room to expand. Shape the rolls into crescents, using thumbs and fingers. When forming the crescents the edges might curl up slightly. Do not try to smooth out the dough. To do so would not allow the dough to expand and become flaky.
- Always place filled kieflies on a cool, ungreased cookie sheet. Bake no more than 1 sheet at a time. Preheat oven to 400 degrees, reduce heat to 375 degrees and bake 10 to 12 minutes or only until lightly browned.
- While kieflies are still warm generously coat with confectioners' sugar by sprinkling it through a small sieve or shaker.
- Filling; Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar and lemon juice. Use a spatula to fold in ground nuts until thoroughly blended. If filling seems a bit "weepy" add about 3 crushed graham crackers.
- NOTE Kieflies will keep up to a week if kept in a cool spot. DO NOT cover tightly.
- These kieflies freeze beautifully. They will thaw at room temperature (uncovered) in about 3 hours. Freshen with confectioners' sugar when ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 100.5, Fat 6.4, SaturatedFat 2, Cholesterol 24.1, Sodium 22.2, Carbohydrate 9.8, Fiber 0.5, Sugar 5.5, Protein 1.9
KEEFLIES
I am of Hungarian descent. Growing up I remember my grandmother making these cookies at Christmas time. These are still one of my favorite cookies.
Provided by Jen Geelen
Categories Other Desserts
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- 1. For Filling: Beat egg whites and sugar until smooth. Add walnuts. Chill until firm.
- 2. For Dough: Mix flour and butter like pastry. Add beaten yolks and sour cream. After mixing, knead dough. Refrigerate until firm.
- 3. Generously flour table or board when rolling dough. Form dough into small balls and roll out paper thin. Take a teaspoon of filling and place on dough. Fold into a crescent shape.
- 4. Bake @ 350 on parchment paper until golden brown (about 18-20 min). After cooling, dust with powdered sugar.
Tips:
- Use cold butter: This helps keep the cookies light and flaky. If the butter is too warm, it will make the cookies spread too much.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing will make the cookies tough. Mix only until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill the dough before rolling it out: This helps prevent the dough from sticking to the rolling pin and makes it easier to handle.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the cookies: A dull knife will tear the dough and make the cookies look ragged.
- Bake the cookies at a high temperature: This helps the cookies rise and get a crispy texture.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature: The cookies will keep for up to 3 days.
Conclusion:
Keeflies are a delicious and easy-to-make cookie that is perfect for any occasion. They are light and flaky, with a crispy texture and a sweet, buttery flavor. These tips will help you make the perfect keeflies every time. Enjoy!
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